The City is not currently proposing any major changes to the existing function of the corridor. Improvements will occur within the existing right-of-way (or limits of building faces) and may include modifications to the grades of the street and pedestrian walkways. Overall corridor aesthetics will be similar to work previously completed in 2014 along Virginia Street (Tennessee – S.H. 5) and Kentucky Street (Hunt – Virginia, Louisiana – Davis).

The reconstruction of streets and pedestrian walkways in the vicinity of the downtown square have been completed in strategic phases to reduce impacts to traffic flow, pedestrian traffic, and area businesses. By completing these needed infrastructure improvements on a 3-5 year cycle, the City is able to focus construction efforts along specific corridors reducing construction time-frame and temporary impacts to downtown.

Any and all input is welcomed, but it is important to note that certain design considerations will be required such as:

Street paving and parking must be accommodated in accordance with city requirements and allow for safe and unobstructed passage of emergency vehicles.

Storm drainage must be accommodated in accordance with city requirements.

Pedestrian walkways must meet the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) which ensures adequate public access for people with disabilities. The ADA Standards establish requirements for the construction and alteration of facilities subject to the law.

In addition to input provided on the design of the improvements, input is also being requested for considerations during the construction phase. During construction the city will seek to minimize disruptions as much as practical. Any specific information regarding business access, parking, loading, planned events, etc. will ensure that the city includes applicable provisions and requirements during construction. There are also opportunities to provide preferences for temporary closures to streets, travel lanes, and parking during construction. For example, a complete temporary closure of a block can reduce construction time, but may further impact surrounding businesses during that closure. Constructing half of a street at a time may minimize disruptions to area traffic and businesses, but require a longer construction time-frame.

Yes – The Capital Improvements Plan (CIP) has previously identified funding sources for improvements to Louisiana Street under Project CO4238 – Town Center Infrastructure Improvements. The overall project funding, from previously voter-authorized transportation bonds, is set at $5 million and will cover cost for design and construction.

Design is expected to be completed in Spring 2020 with construction beginning as soon as late Spring/early Summer 2020. The Engineering Department will phase construction of the improvements along Louisiana Street such that no more than one section is under construction at any given time. For this project, a minimum of two (2) phases are being proposed:

Phase 1: Church Street to Kentucky Street

Phase 2: Tennessee Street to McDonald Street / SH 5

It is estimated that construction of Phase 1 and Phase 2 will take approximately 5 months and 9 months, respectively, to substantially complete. For the purposes of construction, substantial completion is defined as all major work items functioning as intended but prior to City acceptance of the project. It is expected that Phase 1 will be completed prior to the 2020 Holiday Season, with construction of Phase 2 beginning in January 2021.

During construction of each phase, safe pedestrian access to all businesses will be made available during normal business hours. Temporary signage will be installed for alternative parking, business access, and pedestrian access. During work in the street, temporary closure of on-street parking should be expected in addition to any required traffic lane closures and/or detours. Typical construction hours will be from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday with weekend work accommodated as necessary. Overnight work may be considered in key locations to expedite construction and where construction activities are not considered a hazard or nuisance (per ordinance) to surrounding businesses and residents.

Construction will be restricted during the holiday season generally between Thanksgiving and New Years as well as during major downtown events such as Arts in Bloom, Red, White, and BOOM!, and Oktoberfest to minimize any construction-related disruptions.

Downtown McKinney, recently recognized as a cultural district, attracts citizens and visitors for shopping, dining and arts through a variety of independently-owned shops and restaurants, events, and through strong support and preservation of the historic features that influence economic vitality. These infrastructure improvements ensure that it remains a vibrant, walkable, and unique destination for locals and visitors alike.